REDMOND, Wash. – Nov. 15, 2012 – Ten years ago, Microsoft introduced the world to Xbox LIVE, defined at the time as "the first comprehensive, online game arena fully dedicated to fast-action broadband gaming experiences." Since then Xbox LIVE has evolved to become Microsoft’s premier entertainment service for the TV, phone, PC and tablet. Initially available to U.S. and Canadian Xbox players, the service is now available in 41 countries and territories around the world. The 10-year journey has been long, but Xbox continually updated Xbox LIVE to add new gaming and entertainment experiences and services to the console for its members.
Looking as far back as 2004 when Xbox introduced Xbox LIVE Arcade, you needed to pop a disc into your console to boot it up. In 2005, Xbox got gamers addicted to earning Achievements and racking up Gamerscores. Some of you may even remember the famous Xbox “Dark Master” video. Then in 2008 and 2009, Xbox LIVE introduced customizable Avatars and the Avatar Marketplace, encouraging members to personalize their gaming profile. Those of you around long enough may remember the original 'blade' design of the dashboard that evolved into 'channels' in 2008 and eventually 'twists' in 2011. In 2006, Xbox hit a monumental moment as the first console to add HD TV shows and movies for download, and today Xbox offers more than 60 voice-controlled apps on the service, spanning a broad range of entertainment to provide the best in TV shows, movies, sports, music, live TV, video clips, news and more. With the launch of Kinect in 2010, Xbox made it possible for you to control your entertainment with your voice or hand gestures, and in 2011, the Xbox LIVE service enabled millions of members to search for entertainment with their voice.
Fast forward to 2012 – now Xbox owners have entirely new entertainment experiences available at their fingertips, with great new apps like Xbox Music and Xbox Video, and Bing voice search now available in 15 markets. Xbox has become the entertainment hub in the living room with its more than 40 million members, and 2012 marked the year Xbox went beyond the console to create a new experience with Xbox SmartGlass. The new app brings amazing multi-screen entertainment experiences to the devices you already own and love – your Windows 8 tablet or PC, Windows 8 phone, iOS or Android device – and enables them to talk to your TV through the Xbox console. And with the launch of Windows 8, Xbox expanded its reach to millions of new customers as the premier entertainment service at Microsoft, with three new apps: Xbox Music, Xbox Video and Xbox Games, bringing you the best entertainment experiences to your tablet or PC.
Here is a snapshot of how Xbox LIVE has evolved over the last 10 years, from a gaming service to a premium entertainment service for all your devices.
Xbox LIVE, Then and Now
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Xbox 360: Zero Hour Launch Event
November 15, 2012
At the Xbox 360: Zero Hour launch event in November 2005, thousands of gamers from around the world witnessed the dawning of the next generation of gaming. Xbox LIVE membership would grow from about 2 million to today's 40 million members.
Xbox LIVE Wins an Emmy
November 15, 2012
In 2005, Xbox LIVE received an Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in the category of Outstanding Achievement in Technology and Advanced New Media. The award recognizes "ground-breaking work in television broadcast and production systems, interactive television and other new media technologies." At the time, Xbox LIVE had 2 million subscribers.
The World of Gaming at Your Fingertips
November 15, 2012
For 10 years, Xbox LIVE has been the go-to destination for online multiplayer gaming, and is still home to some of the biggest blockbuster hits like “Halo 4.” Browse games on the console, discover new games through user-based recommendations, and download your favorite Xbox LIVE Arcade and Games and on-demand titles from the comfort of your living room.
It Started With ‘Blades’
November 15, 2012
Commonly known as 'blades' (top left), the original Xbox LIVE dashboard design later evolved into 'channels' in 2009 (top right) and 'twists' in 2011 (bottom left). Today’s dashboard makes it easier for users to access their favorite apps and content with 'My Pins' and 'Recent' (bottom right).
Gear Up for Games in Style
November 15, 2012
With the creation of Avatars in 2008, Xbox LIVE encouraged members to personalize their gaming profiles. The Avatar Marketplace launched in 2009, providing a digital marketplace for members to shop for outfits and accessories for their Avatar.
Kinect – No Controller Required
November 15, 2012
In 2010, the Xbox LIVE update included support for Kinect for Xbox 360, enabling Xbox users to control their dashboard using voice and hand gestures. With Kinect voice search added in 2011, Xbox users also have the ability to find the games and entertainment content they want, regardless of where it resides on Xbox LIVE.
Great Movies, TV, Sports, Music and More
November 15, 2012
With more than 60 apps available worldwide, now also including Internet Explorer for Xbox, sit back and catch up on your favorite movies, TV shows, sports, music, news, websites and more.
Xbox Is Your Destination for Sports
November 15, 2012
Microsoft began adding sports content to Xbox in 2010 with ESPN (left). Today, Xbox has a full-fledged Sports Hub where you can get up-to-the-minute stats on your favorite teams, catch up on the latest scores and game schedules, and replay your favorite gameplay moments with ESPN, MLB.TV, UFC, NBA Game Time and NHL.
Watch Your Favorite TV and Movies With Xbox Video
November 15, 2012
Xbox Video has all the HD movies and TV shows you love. With first-run movies, the best TV shows available within 24 hours, and Instant On video technology (no caching or waiting for your movie to download!), your favorite movies and shows are available for immediate viewing on your Xbox 360 console or Windows 8 tablet or PC (pictured here with a tablet).
Entertainment Is More Amazing With Xbox SmartGlass
November 15, 2012
With Xbox SmartGlass, your entertainment experiences come to life as your PC, tablet and mobile device connects to your console and turns into a remote control that allows you to easily navigate within apps and on Internet Explorer on Xbox. With movies like “The Avengers” and “Snow White and the Huntsman,” Xbox SmartGlass serves as your personal guide on the cast, crew and storyline while you’re watching through Xbox Video on the console.
Introducing Xbox Music, Microsoft’s All-in-One Music Service
June 04, 2012
Millions of songs to discover, stream, download and own for your tablet, PC, TV and phone. Create playlists, stream or download your favorite songs, or create artist-based stations to discover new music you’ll love. Xbox Music does it all.
Make the Most of Family Time
June 06, 2011
With tons of family-friendly games, shows and movies, Xbox LIVE has everything you need for family fun. Want to control the content your kids can access or set limits on their screen time? It’s easy with Xbox LIVE’s Family Settings.